404 Not Found
The 404 Not Found HTTP status code is a client error that indicates that a resource was not found at the specified address. Here's what it means:
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Definition: When a server responds with a 404 Not Found status code, it's telling the client (usually a web browser) that the requested resource does not exist on the server.
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Common Scenarios:
- Dead Links: If you encounter a broken link on a website (e.g., clicking a link that leads to a page that no longer exists), you'll likely see a 404 error.
- Misspelled URLs: If you mistype a URL or enter an outdated link, the server responds with a 404 error.
- Deleted or Moved Resources: If a previously available resource (web page, image, file, etc.) has been deleted or moved to a different location, the server returns a 404 status.
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User Experience:
- When you encounter a 404 error, your browser displays a page with a message like "Page Not Found" or "404 Error."
- The server communicates that it received the request but couldn't find the resource you were looking for.
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Troubleshooting:
- Check the URL: Verify that the URL is correct and properly spelled.
- Refresh the Page: Sometimes the error is temporary, so refreshing the page might help.
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies could resolve the issue.
- Contact the Website: If you believe the resource should exist, reach out to the website administrator.
- Search Engines: Use search engines to find an alternative source for the content you're looking for.
Remember, a 404 Not Found status code indicates that the server couldn't locate the requested resource. It's a common occurrence on the web, especially when dealing with outdated links or pages that have been removed.